September Apple Event Rumor: "iTunes Unlimited", iPhone iDisk Access?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

A number of Apple rumor sites, including MacRumors, have received an anonymous tip purporting to describe details of a "Late September Apple Event". The source describes MobileMe upgrades that will allow the iPhone and iPod touch to access a user's iDisk storage, as well as the introduction of "iTunes Unlimited", a yearly subscription model for digital music.

MobileMe, iPhone, iPod Touch
-Enable disk use
-When enabled for disk use, iDisk folder accessible
-iDisk app
-Viewable formats can be opened, other formats grayed out
-Button to sync with MobileMe
-Photo syncing support via MobileMe
-October launch

iTunes Unlimited
-256 Kbps music; highest quality digital music subscription service ever
-50% of U.S. store available for iTunes Unlimited at launch, U.S.-only launch
-Available through iTunes or retail box a la MobileMe, funds applied through iTunes gift cards cannot be used towards subscription purchase
-$129.99 stand-alone or $179.99 with MobileMe, current MobileMe subscribers can add iTunes Unlimited for $99.99
-One-year subscription period
-Current a la carte options unchanged
-When signed in to subscription account, “Buy” is “Get”
-“Download and Play throughout iTunes Unlimited Subscription” or “Buy and Keep”
-“Buy and Keep” option available for downloaded subscription songs, purchased version replaces subscription version
- Late October launch with iTunes 7.8

Despite previous comments from Eddy Cue (http://www.macrumors.com/2004/09/27/itms-to-add-subscription-service/) and Steve Jobs (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/04/26/steve-jobs-customers-dont-seem-interested-in-music-subscriptions/) expressing some opposition to subscription-based models for digital music, the concept of an "iTunes Unlimited" service has persisted for a number of years due to the popularity of the business model with other music services. Of recent note, CNNMoney.com reported (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/04/11/apple-to-launch-subscription-itunes/) on such rumors in April 2007, and they were revived once again (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/18/apple-to-offer-unlimited-music-plan/) in March 2008 by the Financial Times, which reported that Apple was offering music labels only $20 per device for unlimited access to the iTunes catalog.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/20/september-apple-event-rumor-itunes-unlimited-iphone-idisk-access/)

[JDOG_]

Uh for $11 a month I'm all in. Sounds sweet.

[iomar]

Wow, this sounds really good!!! Can't wait for the service!

[mca7]

Forget all that all I want is what was promised for Mobile Me
(from the apple site)
"Coming soon: Email large files.
Soon a new feature in iDisk will make it simple to share files too big for email. iDisk will automatically send a message with a simple link. The recipient will just click the link to download the file."

[iTeen]

I'm in with the iTunes Unlimited...

As soon as i can afford it. :mad:

Why can't they do monthly?????

[corinhorn]

iTunes Unlimited would be sweet! But I will be surprised if this rumor turns out to be true.

[ny3ranger]

How about some movies. Make it 15 or 17 a month for music and movies and that would beat up netflix and blockbuster.

[Lesser Evets]

If the rumor has been through the mill for a few years I would look with extreme skepticism.

[bbydon]

How about some movies. Make it 15 or 17 a month for music and movies and that would beat up netflix and blockbuster.

Agreed! Lets get movies in there too!

[BrownManUPS]

So Buy and Keep is like paying a fee less than $.99 to keep it since you are a subscriber?

I think since the "shelf life" of most music I download is a good month, so I like how I can have 12 months of constant music changing for roughly $11 a month.

Seems like Apple is really pushing the Mobile Me now...let's hope they don't encounter "rocky starts".

[autumnmike]

awesome, awesome, awesome.

about freaking time. mobile me is going to be huge now.

my guess is that the new ipods are going to have wifi.
if this service is true, they'd be really stupid not to.

i'm getting me a iphone tomorrow. 16gig, screw that i'm getting an 8

[EricNau]

Why can't they do monthly?????
Presumably, there would be a higher likelihood of a subscription ending suddenly. If you missed just one payment (your credit card expired, for example) you would lose all of your music. With an annual subscription, however, they have plenty of time to remind you to renew your account.

Although, I suppose they might offer an automatic monthly payment option.

[johnryjr]

I would like to see all of itunes be 256kbps and drm free and i would be happy.

John

[koobcamuk]

If the rumor has been through the mill for a few years I would look with extreme skepticism.

iPhone rumour was about 6 years? :rolleyes:

I think Apple should focus on getting the iPhone OS as good as it was in 1.04, at least regarding the responsiveness and overall UI speed.

How about fixing mobileme, before adding features to it?

Having said that, I might actually start using my idisk now...

[Ochire]

An unlimited download iTunes DRM service? I seriously doubt that.

[Apple18]

What about NEW MacBooks and MacBook pros?

[.Chris]

iTunes 7.8? Wouldn't this bring it to 8.0 since its features major new features.

[GSMiller]

I just want all of iTunes to be DRM-free. With as little music I buy, a subscription service would be a waste.

[11800506]

any rumors about a conjoined iPod/MB/MBP event though?

[iansilv]

give me apple lossless music or give me death.

and- if they want to take over the world, sell movies in higher than bluray quality- same resolution, higher bitrate with truehd audio.

[japanime]

Forget all that all I want is what was promised for Mobile Me


Hah! I'm still waiting for the .Mac-exclusive Dashboard Widgets that were promised three years ago! :D

[danielchow]

iTunes Unlimited would be sweet! But I will be surprised if this rumor turns out to be true.

I'm quite skeptical myself. My buying habit is usually buy when I want it, so the idea of an annual subscription of 99$ doesn't quite appeal to me. But in all fairness, before online music stores became prominent, I remember spending over 100$ a year on CDs. I'd pay 15$, and sometimes up to 30$, per CD without much thought. The later was usually special edition CDs.

I think this should be quite interesting to watch if it turns out to be true.

[whistler222]

I'm in with the iTunes Unlimited...

As soon as i can afford it. :mad:

Why can't they do monthly?????

honestly.
if u can't afford 129 dollars a YEAR
should really be paying 11 dollars a month?

[Lesser Evets]

iPhone rumour was about 6 years? :rolleyes:


So you are saying all rumors come true the older they get? :rolleyes:

[mmcxiiad]

if i remember correctly, Apple has gotten a lot of pressure from the music industry to move to this model (leasing music vs owning it). If Apple does implement this, it will help to ease some of the animosity that the music industry has developed for apple.

Think about it this way: last quarter, Apple reported 11 million ipods sold. Assuming that the ipod represents a 50 million units in annual sales and 20% sign up for the subscription services at $20 per month to the music industry...

That is $100 million dollars to the music industry.... guaranteed. In todays economy, that is a tough thing to turn up a noise at. And if it helps Apple to sell mobile me.... well that is a lot of money too. Hopefully that will help them hire a few more people to fix that debacle.

Steve may be anti-subscription. But he is also pro-bottomline. sometimes you have to give a little to get a lot.

[FreeState]

Photo syncing support via MobileMe

Um this already exsistes... you send a photos to one of your albums via the phone - the next time you open up iPhoto its there...

[autumnmike]

think of all the people that don't buy music online (or pirates) that this might appeal to. alright so i have an iphone, or a new ipod (which everybody has an ipod) and being able to have a million songs on it. for 11 bucks a month. having an iphone, mobile me (disk ascess, push features, web page, email, i disk), and unlimated music, for 179? hell yeah. i wasn't even interested in mobile me untill now.

and thats their point.

[Eidorian]

I just want all of iTunes to be DRM-free. With as little music I buy, a subscription service would be a waste.That's something I'd want as well.

No more specific blurbs on iPod updates I see...

[HLdan]

I'm in with the iTunes Unlimited...

As soon as i can afford it. :mad:

Why can't they do monthly?????

For only $129 or $99/yr (MM subscribers) if you can pay for this broken down monthly you can pay the total amount annually. Please, please don't say that you can't pay that much up front. For unlimited downloads it's a great deal.

[enklined]

Wow, great rumor - hope it turns out to be as stated.

iTunes unlimited? I'm in. I've never once bought a song from iTunes, but hell, for that price, I'm there.

This doesn't bode well for SIRIUS XM...or my investment in it's stock... :(

[ny3ranger]

Presumably, there would be a higher likelihood of a subscription ending suddenly. If you missed just one payment (your credit card expired, for example) you would lose all of your music. With an annual subscription, however, they have plenty of time to remind you to renew your account.

Although, I suppose they might offer an automatic monthly payment option.

It might also be people downloading as much music they can in a month and then canceling (that is off course assuming there is a way to break the drm protection).

[.Chris]

give me apple lossless music or give me death.

and- if they want to take over the world, sell movies in higher than bluray quality- same resolution, higher bitrate with truehd audio.

1. They wont do that just to please you
2. I thought 1080p was the highest? Remember Blu-Ray is at 1080p and theres nothing higher then that. (as of now) and I dobut apple will create anything better as 1080p is practly the best right now and it could bring out lawsuits between apple and sony.

[Ochire]

For only $129 or $99/yr (MM subscribers) if you can pay for this broken down monthly you can pay the total amount annually. Please, please don't say that you can't pay that much up front. For unlimited downloads it's a great deal.

Not if you're a kid and you have to save up. Not everyone has that kind of money just sitting in a bank.

[LethalWolfe]

I'm in with the iTunes Unlimited...

As soon as i can afford it. :mad:

Why can't they do monthly?????
Because annually generates a more predictable revenue stream for them. They don't have to worry about a huge first month and then subscriptions fluctuating as people decide not to renew for the next month. It should also allow them to off it for a lower price since they are guaranteed more money than if people just went month to month.


Lethal

[.Chris]

Wow, great rumor - hope it turns out to be as stated.

iTunes unlimited? I'm in. I've never once bought a song from iTunes, but hell, for that price, I'm there.

This doesn't bode well for SIRIUS XM...or my investment in it's stock... :(

The day apple joins Sirus XM is the day apple will truly shine #1 in the digital media.

Offering music, movies TV shows, podcasts as well as satiate radio

[iVoid]

I'm a bit sick of iTunes/iPhone only news out of APple lately (despite having a new iPhone 3G).

Give me some mac news one of these days, Apple. :(


As for iTunes subscriptions: No sale.

And if iDisk syncing is the only way to get a 'home directory' for documents on the iPhone, double no sale. I'm not going to pay for Mobile Me just to get functionality that should have been there in 2.0. Now if they have the data syncable via iDisk *OR* a sync in iTunes, that'll be very good.

[Flowbee]

So you are saying all rumors come true the older they get? :rolleyes:

No, I think he was saying that you can't discount a rumor just because its been around for several years. :rolleyes:

[.Chris]

Not if you're a kid and you have to save up. Not everyone has that kind of money just sitting in a bank.

Thats why you get a job. Part of your paycheck can go to this..... Perhaps may be you your self should start saving...

now those who spend ALL their paycheck on bills, groceries etc, thats cool and all, just ignore this message....

[.Chris]

I'm a bit sick of iTunes/iPhone only news out of APple lately (despite having a new iPhone 3G).

Give me some mac news one of these days, Apple. :(


As for iTunes subscriptions: No sale.

And if iDisk syncing is the only way to get a 'home directory' for documents on the iPhone, double no sale. I'm not going to pay for Mobile Me just to get functionality that should have been there in 2.0. Now if they have the data syncable via iDisk *OR* a sync in iTunes, that'll be very good.

1. Agreed. the iphone has gotten WAY to much hype latly
2. I think you missed the point. They wont force the subscription on you. You dont want it, dont use it. simple as that
2. Agreed. sigh may be in 3.0 we will get something we ACTULLY want like true cut and paste, disc use etc..

[ivladster]

iPhone rumour was about 6 years? :rolleyes:

I think Apple should focus on getting the iPhone OS as good as it was in 1.04, at least regarding the responsiveness and overall UI speed.

How about fixing mobileme, before adding features to it?

Having said that, I might actually start using my idisk now...

Well when iPhone came out, it was pretty simple comparing to now. That's why it ran so great with all that room to breathe. Now there are all these apps and GPS and 3G i think iPhone get pretty tired. :o

[enklined]

The day apple joins Sirus XM is the day apple will truly shine #1 in the digital media.

Offering music, movies TV shows, podcasts as well as satiate radio

That would be awesome, but highly unlikely.

What is more likely, however, is SIRIUS XM partnering with Apple at some point - there's already a SIRIUS XM iPhone App in the works, but this does almost nothing to generate NEW subscribers (only keeps us current ones happy). SIRIUS XM needs to penetrate the market more than just with OEM installation in cars - i.e. into the mobile market. Think: iPhone2, preinstalled with SIRIUS XM and 3, 6, or even 12 month subscription.

Keep thinking - know how you can't remove an Apple app icon on the iPhone? Same thing here - Sorry, you can't remove the SIRIUS XM icon. Now that you've had 3, 6, or 12 months to try out SIRIUS (portable-ly, I might add), and can't get rid of the icon...hmmm...maybe you like it just enough to keep subscribing (and so that you don't have a useless app icon :p).

[bretjohnson90]

god, update the laptops already!

[Flowbee]

Not if you're a kid and you have to save up. Not everyone has that kind of money just sitting in a bank.

Thats why you get a job.

Or just put some rum in your grandmother's lemonade and steal her purse when she's asleep. Always worked for me...

[Kilamite]

So we don't actually "own" the music once we get it, we just have access to it as long as we keep our subscriptions on?

Or am I misunderstanding this, and any music you download (let it be the whole selection available) you have to keep for ever.

And about about DRM? Is this going to be applied? I'd hate to end up with a massive catalogue of DRM music.

Still, it's a massive step, and as someone who isn't an honest person when it comes to getting music legally, I'd actually sign up for it, since this is the exact kind of offer I've been waiting for. Great value for money.

[aross99]

I just want all of iTunes to be DRM-free. With as little music I buy, a subscription service would be a waste.

This my thought exactly. I buy less than 100 songs a year, and I can't get past the issue of not owning the music after I quit the subscription.

Besides that, so I REALLY want another monthly/annual bill?

I'll take my music a-la-carte like it is now.

Could be a good deal for some people though...

[mandoman]

With the recent XM/Sirius merger, I was thinking of subscribing to that once XM/Sirius multi-band combo receivers become available. However, an itunes subscription model could be a compelling alternative.

[GT500Shlby]

Too expensive. I won't pay $99 - $129 a year for that if I have to purchase the music to keep it.

[Ade-iMac-177]

That's cool but, if true, i hope it's not the only announcement - i want new notebooks!

[curmi]

This rumour could have been convincing if they had stuck with the iTunes Unlimited part of it. But they went too far - and that points to the whole lot being fake.

MobileMe is barely working as is - Apple are not going to release new features for the iPhone that work with MobileMe. Further, lots of people have leaked info on the OS 2.1 iPhone OS builds, and no one has mentioned any of this. So it isn't in any beta, so is unlikely to be ready in October.

It is all someone just dreaming of a subscription iTunes. Wishful thinking.

And as if Apple would give MobileMe users a discount for buying something else? The only time they ever did that with .Mac was in buying iLife, and usually about 6 months after iLife was out, so it was getting old.

Fake!

[iVoid]

2. I think you missed the point. They wont force the subscription on you. You dont want it, dont use it. simple as that


Yeah, I know. I've never liked subscription models, so I'd pass on this for sure. Just too easy for all the music/content to disappear when someone decides to change the business model (again).

[Mac Attack 360]

Does this include movies? Cause if thats the case then ohh yeah. Ill pay 100 something a year for that! So will Millions of other people! I pay more a month than $11 on iTunes. So what a deal if it was Music, Movies, and Tv shows (or anything else). What a dream this is!!! (if it's true) :D:D:D:D:D. :apple: is the best!

[EricNau]

So we don't actually "own" the music once we get it, we just have access to it as long as we keep our subscriptions on?

Or am I misunderstanding this, and any music you download (let it be the whole selection available) you have to keep for ever.

And about about DRM? Is this going to be applied? I'd hate to end up with a massive catalogue of DRM music.

Still, it's a massive step, and as someone who isn't an honest person when it comes to getting music legally, I'd actually sign up for it, since this is the exact kind of offer I've been waiting for. Great value for money.
You're correct. If when your subscription ends you no longer have access to the music you downloaded under the subscription model. It would certainly be DRM'd.

[saturnino3]

Ohhh yeah..... Just in time for an iPhone 32GB.... :D

[enklined]

You're correct. If when your subscription ends you no longer have access to the music you downloaded under the subscription model. It would certainly be DRM'd.

How could you possibly know how a rumored Apple subscription model would work? Sounds like you're assuming.

It would be a very HUGE deal killer if you didn't own the music you downloaded. I mean HUGE. I don't care if other music subscriptions work like you are stating - that's why I don't have a sub to them.

I really hope you're wrong. I just can't believe...

[arn]

moved this to page 2.

In my opinion, the likelihood that this "transcript" submitted being true is 0%.

arn

[EricNau]

How could you possibly know how a rumored Apple subscription model would work? Sounds like you're assuming.

It would be a very HUGE deal killer if you didn't own the music you downloaded. I mean HUGE. I don't care if other music subscriptions work like you are stating - that's why I don't have a sub to them.

I really hope you're wrong. I just can't believe...
I'm basing it off every other music subscription offered on the market today.

How could it work any other way? There's a zero percent chance that you'd be able to keep the music you downloaded under the subscription model, after your subscription ended.

[.Chris]

Yeah, I know. I've never liked subscription models, so I'd pass on this for sure. Just too easy for all the music/content to disappear when someone decides to change the business model (again).

well let those people worry and cry over it

[alchemistmuffin]

I think it's not going to be just pure music subscription Apple might be planning...

For about $200 per year, I think Apple might be following the method of Nokia's Comes with Music plan, where once the subscription ends, YOU KEEP THE MUSIC FOREVER....

Come on, Steve Jobs hates renting music, but when he wants to starts a subscription service for music, I think the Comes With Music model is the only one I can think Steve Jobs will like....

[macbookairman]

i think this rumor may very well come true. both iTunes unlimited and iPod Touch/iPhone iDisk access seem very possible. It would also be a great way for Steve to tie in a bunch of apologies for MobileMe.

I will say that of both rumors, I think if only one were to come true it would be the iPod Touch/iPhone iDisk Access. It would tie in to the MobileMe model....access to your data everywhere (when it works :p). MobileMe on the iPod Touch and iPhone really has great potential to draw in Windows users with iPod's and iPhones farther into the "Apple World", and draw them into their first mac purchase. So, (I think) it makes sense that Apple would add as many mobileme on ipod and iphone features as possible.

[MattInOz]

How is the subscription model popular?

Other than with business men, sure they think it looks good on paper, but so many have tried so many have failed to get enough subscribers and have tanked.

Even Virgin who if anyone one was going to get to work it was them, RB is backing a company to put you in space for 4minutes, he can make that work, then if there was any hope for the subscription model then they wouldn't have pulled the pull last year.

If Apple do it will be to compete with industry death throws efforts like the Blanket Licence Model.

How about a real subscription model.

The patron system
I pay an artist a small ongoing fee for that they give me entertainment
Say 3+min of audio as a minimum each month/week, but it could live tracks, interview, photos or even someone else song that they really like.

never mind, never going to work cuts out the midman completely, must remember all changes will be about reinforcing the man in the middle attack.

[Super Intendo]

if this is seriously all the september event consists of i'm going to be very very upset.

Seriously Steve, where's my MacBook Pro? I'm starting to get pissy.

[kjs862]

Sounds good to me, I would for sure get the itunes service. I also they get the mobile me service working, my push isn't work at all right now.

[alchemistmuffin]

if this is seriously all the september event consists of i'm going to be very very upset.

Seriously Steve, where's my MacBook Pro? I'm starting to get pissy.

Septmember is all about Music and products catered towards Family, such as Macbook, iMac, Mac mini, iPods, iPhone, :apple:TV, etc...

For update on MacBook Pro, you have to wait till Macworld Expo in January....

Your patient will pay off in the end though....

[.Chris]

Septmember is all about Music and products catered towards Family, such as Macbook, iMac, Mac mini, iPods, iPhone, :apple:TV, etc...

For update on MacBook Pro, you have to wait till Macworld Expo in January....

Your patient will pay off in the end though....

wouldnt a MBP be in the same catergory. I mean you included other macs.....

doesnt matter, I hope they do update the MBP and leave macworld for the exciting updates such as a digital DVR, blu-ray etc. THOSE are for macworld.

People need to stop drelling on the past and look towards the feature!

[scotty96LSC]

I'm ready, lets get it done. Bring on the subscription.

[bushido]

Available through iTunes or retail box a la MobileMe,

if that turns out to be indeed true would it be for lets say europeans possible to just buy one of those boxes on ebay and use it on the US-Store jw

how about mobile me, does the US-MobileMe retail box currently work for europeans or whatever continent?

[w00master]

give me apple lossless music or give me death.

Keep dreaming.

and- if they want to take over the world, sell movies in higher than bluray quality- same resolution, higher bitrate with truehd audio.

Riiiight.... :rolleyes:

If you want to wait a week to watch a movie, then go right ahead.

w00master

[kcroy]

wow! That would be incredible. I can use all of those new features. :rolleyes: We'll see what develops.

[.Chris]

Available through iTunes or retail box a la MobileMe,

if that turns out to be indeed true would it be for lets say europeans possible to just buy one of those boxes on ebay and use it on the US-Store jw

how about mobile me, does the US-MobileMe retail box currently work for europeans or whatever continent?

What the hell is up with eurpeans and those anti-trust issues? why cant they just stop bitching and learn to live life.....

Keep dreaming.



Riiiight.... :rolleyes:

If you want to wait a week to watch a movie, then go right ahead.

w00master

I know. kid must know know that 1080p IS blu-ray and IS the highest out there and wont be another one for quite some time... 1080p as yet to fully set in.

wow! That would be incredible. I can use all of those new features. :rolleyes: We'll see what develops.

whats with people and rolling their eyes at nonsence

[ingenious]

Meh. I hate the idea of music subscriptions... I want to OWN all of my music, not rent it. I know I'd have to choice, but I don't want to see Apple give credence to the subscribe-and-forget-to-pay-and-your-music's-gone madness.

OTOH, a movie or TV show subscription a la Netflix would be amazing.

I also think Apple should make an agreement with satellite/cable companies to provide a discount on the iTunes Store to download shows you already have access to on your TV. Also, they need to partner with the networks to provide live streaming services for sports, local news, etc.

So, subscription services are great for some things, but I don't think the model scales well for music.

Now, I'm my 32GB iPod touch is getting here later this week (I didn't engrave it so I could sell it when they announce the new ones... :D), and I'm a MobileMe subscriber. I think that iPhone/iPod touch iDisk access is a wonderful idea. I agree with some of the previous posters; something like this would make me actually use my iDisk.

[whooleytoo]

Agree completely ingenious above, I really hate the idea of having to keep paying to play my music.

I guess options are good, but I really, really hope this isn't the start of a move to a subscription only service. :(

[Saladinos]

On the subject of iTunes Unlimited, I also don't like the idea of renting music. I often find music items that I haven't listened to in years, and would hate for that to stop because my subscription has ended. If it was an 'all you can eat' style package, with a fixed price for purchases per year, I'd get it straight away. The only thing that might make me consider the rental package would be if it included movies and/or tv shows.

What the hell is up with eurpeans and those anti-trust issues? why cant they just stop bitching and learn to live life.....

What does it matter to you if the European Commission bring anti-trust investigations against US companies? It never affects products or business practices going on in the US. Oh, and if you're interested, EU anti-trust investigations are usually only brought up if there are serious problems in business practices. I personally love the way Europe works. The way their economies and governments work comes from their more ethically conscious and social culture. The US has a far harsher deal with business practices. Monopolies exist in almost all markets, making it harder for smaller business. It's about time Americans did ask what their country can do for them. European government feels much more sophisticated and makes enjoying life much easier. I could write for ages about how much Americans have to learn from Europe, if they weren't too stubborn to admit it.

In fact, the only anti-trust SO the EU sent to Apple that I can remember was about iTunes pricing in Europe being higher than the US, and indeed, some countries (the UK) had a higher price than other parts of Europe (the Eurozone). It makes sense for them to ask Apple about it, because it's in the interest of European citizens. And as a result, Europeans are enjoying cheaper music than before the EU intervened.

[ApplePod17]

moved this to page 2.

In my opinion, the likelihood that this "transcript" submitted being true is 0%.

arn

agreed. I don't remember a single transcript rumor ever being true.

[Nermal]

How about ditching DRM, rather than adding more of it? Even if this were available in NZ, I'd probably keep buying from Digirama instead of iTunes.

[iMacmatician]

Late October launch with iTunes 7.8No iTunes 8? :mad:

Do we have to wait until MWSF 2009 (or even later :eek:) for it? Maybe it'll come with the mini-tablet.

I had a suspicion we'd have to wait until 7.9 before we'd get 8…

[w00master]

Meh. I hate the idea of music subscriptions... I want to OWN all of my music, not rent it. I know I'd have to choice, but I don't want to see Apple give credence to the subscribe-and-forget-to-pay-and-your-music's-gone madness.

OTOH, a movie or TV show subscription a la Netflix would be amazing.

I also think Apple should make an agreement with satellite/cable companies to provide a discount on the iTunes Store to download shows you already have access to on your TV. Also, they need to partner with the networks to provide live streaming services for sports, local news, etc.

So, subscription services are great for some things, but I don't think the model scales well for music.

Now, I'm my 32GB iPod touch is getting here later this week (I didn't engrave it so I could sell it when they announce the new ones... :D), and I'm a MobileMe subscriber. I think that iPhone/iPod touch iDisk access is a wonderful idea. I agree with some of the previous posters; something like this would make me actually use my iDisk.

I think those of you who are so "against subscriptions" perhaps aren't realizing some benefits with a subscriptions service that you *can't* do with your bought music. For example: sharing music.

I think Apple is thinking *very* long term here on how to stay number one. Right now, the financial idiots, excuse me, analysts think only in terms of Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy. I think, long term, Apple looks at places like LastFM, iMeem, MySpace as their potential future competitors. You might poo poo a subscription service, but you can't put up your music library on the web and have people listen to your music (legally, unless you get agreements for the various recording studioes). With subscription music, YOU CAN. Think about the uproar when Apple disabled the ability (through bonjour) share your entire music library over the internets. With subscription music, you'll be able to do this legally.

Apple is looking to be king of media, but their weakness (the little it is) is in the social aspects of music. This aspect is not there right now in iTunes beyond your local area network. Think about that for a second. The closest thing to sharing music on iTunes is creating a playlist in the iTunes store, but guess what, if your friend wants to listen to that playlist, he/she has to buy the entire playlist. Again, with subscription music, the "purchase" mentality is no longer there. He/she (as long as they are a subscriber) can immediately listen to the playlist.

Again, I think those of you who are "poo poo-ing" subscriptions are only thinking about the "ownership issue." I *completely* understand this. I'm a big proponent of owning the music you buy, and *hugely* against DRM (if you do a search on my username, you can see all the posts that prove this). However, when I started thinking about the types of things that you *lose* when you own the music, that's when I understood why subscription music has a lot of potential.

You see it right now. Sure, iTunes music store is number one. Sure, Rhapsody/MySpace/etc. don't even hold a candle to the numbers that Apple does. However, the users who use these service are *intensely loyal* to these services. They *love* it. Yes, these music files on subscription services hold a TON of DRM. Yes, they're only renting the music. However, in some ways, there is a lot more that they can do *with* the music. I think this is the angle that those who are "against subscription music" are missing.

Ultimately, I prefer owning my own music, but imho the best services give their customer the "feeling" of choices and flexibility. Apple, with subscription music, could potential completely own the market even more so than the way they dominate right now.

w00master

[HLdan]

Too expensive. I won't pay $99 - $129 a year for that if I have to purchase the music to keep it.

Then you should spend more time doing the math of other subscription services. Napter is or was charging $15.00/month unlimited and NO ownership of songs. That's $180.00 annually. iTunes expensive huh????

[aafuss1]

US only launch is good plan. Thoigh Apple has said it doesn't seem to want to have a "unlimited" subscription iTunes option

[twoodcc]

well i really don't think i would use the subscription service, but maybe some will

[.Chris]

US only launch is good plan. Thoigh Apple has said it doesn't seem to want to have a "unlimited" subscription iTunes option

whaty they say and what they do are 2 difreernt things. They said they will never run intel. Never support microsoft or even windows. Look now. Of course macworld 2007 a riot went on because of what steve jobs wanted to do. now all of those who were upset are now happy. go figure. If I was there, I would be phrasing jobs. That was the only way to get apple back up on its feet.

[gcmexico]

I don't dig the music unlimited...movie unlimited would be awesome!

[econoline06]

What about NEW MacBooks and MacBook pros?

I would venture to guess that this is not the correct thread to be discussing new MacBooks and MacBooks Pro's on.

[econoline06]

I think those of you who are so "against subscriptions" perhaps aren't realizing some benefits with a subscriptions service that you *can't* do with your bought music. For example: sharing music.

I think Apple is thinking *very* long term here on how to stay number one. Right now, the financial idiots, excuse me, analysts think only in terms of Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy. I think, long term, Apple looks at places like LastFM, iMeem, MySpace as their potential future competitors. You might poo poo a subscription service, but you can't put up your music library on the web and have people listen to your music (legally, unless you get agreements for the various recording studioes). With subscription music, YOU CAN. Think about the uproar when Apple disabled the ability (through bonjour) share your entire music library over the internets. With subscription music, you'll be able to do this legally.

Apple is looking to be king of media, but their weakness (the little it is) is in the social aspects of music. This aspect is not there right now in iTunes beyond your local area network. Think about that for a second. The closest thing to sharing music on iTunes is creating a playlist in the iTunes store, but guess what, if your friend wants to listen to that playlist, he/she has to buy the entire playlist. Again, with subscription music, the "purchase" mentality is no longer there. He/she (as long as they are a subscriber) can immediately listen to the playlist.

Again, I think those of you who are "poo poo-ing" subscriptions are only thinking about the "ownership issue." I *completely* understand this. I'm a big proponent of owning the music you buy, and *hugely* against DRM (if you do a search on my username, you can see all the posts that prove this). However, when I started thinking about the types of things that you *lose* when you own the music, that's when I understood why subscription music has a lot of potential.

You see it right now. Sure, iTunes music store is number one. Sure, Rhapsody/MySpace/etc. don't even hold a candle to the numbers that Apple does. However, the users who use these service are *intensely loyal* to these services. They *love* it. Yes, these music files on subscription services hold a TON of DRM. Yes, they're only renting the music. However, in some ways, there is a lot more that they can do *with* the music. I think this is the angle that those who are "against subscription music" are missing.

Ultimately, I prefer owning my own music, but imho the best services give their customer the "feeling" of choices and flexibility. Apple, with subscription music, could potential completely own the market even more so than the way they dominate right now.

w00master

The last time I was on campus (last week) I was able to see many peoples entire iTunes libraries and listen to them via bonjour. As far as "owning" the music, you never have owned it, ever. The same way with software. You are paying for the right to USE it. You do not OWN your copy of Leopard, or Windows, or Office. Read the EULA. Recall grade school; and "don't copy that floppy" nonsense they had use watch. One of the points was that you do not own the software you are using, you are simply paying a fee to use it on your own computer. Nothing has changed.

[macnews]

...You might poo poo a subscription service, but you can't put up your music library on the web and have people listen to your music (legally, unless you get agreements for the various recording studioes). With subscription music, YOU CAN. Think about the uproar when Apple disabled the ability (through bonjour) share your entire music library over the internets. With subscription music, you'll be able to do this legally.
w00master


I'm willing to bet the music companies will poo poo and say this is illegal. Still, might do it for a year and find some way (can't imagine how) to capture the audio for all the songs I want but haven't bought yet. Do this with a group of friends and watch the cost come down.

Hmmm, if I think of doing this wonder how many other teenagers will do this?

[fleshman03]

Am I the only one who thinks "renting" music is the worst idea ever?

What happens with all that music you love and want to keep? You will need to "rent/get" over and over again.

I would do this in a heartbeat if I can "get" music for as long as i choose to keep the file ... even if I stop paying the devil (RIAA) to keep him at bay.

[peterdevries]

US only launch is good plan. Thoigh Apple has said it doesn't seem to want to have a "unlimited" subscription iTunes option

How is that a good plan? I live in The Netherlands and I know it's only a small country, but it's quite annoying that we are still waiting for iTunes movie rentals and series. I know that rights issues are probably the cause for this, but we are just not anywhere near the top or even the middle of Apple's priority list.
:mad:

[Apple Ink]

Sounds a bit too formal..... doesnt really have that "rumor" charecters...

But still.... Id be interested to see what all formats are added in the iPhone Firmware.....

iTMS Unlimited sounds great! (too great to be true?:confused:)

[jmadlena]

...In its stead, it adopted capitalism as a culture, and has since flooded the world with money-making superficial garbage like EA Sports, Microsoft Windows, and 'The Mummy'...

If I recall correctly, the rest of the world is eating this 'crap' up, so maybe blame lies with several parties. The US has this thing about personal responsibility... I know, crazy, right? If you don't like something, don't consume it; if someone else likes it, and they want to consume it, good for them. It isn't our place to get in their way. That being said, I find the culture of consumerism (which is rampant in more than just the US) to be unhealthy. But, as I said, that isn't my call to make.

In short, EU antitrust SOs are in the interests of Europeans, which is what they're there for. Americans aren't used to speaking out and having their quality of life recognised as an issue. Maybe Obama will change it, maybe it's just too big a problem to fix. In any case, you should get used to corporations getting exploitative practices stopped. If anything really does change, you're going to be seeing them on a daily basis.

Last time I checked, the people of the US are constantly voicing their opinions. And I would argue that our 'low quality of life' isn't low, just different. I have no interest in living a 'European' lifestyle, as I'm sure you have no interest in living an 'American' lifestyle. Regarding the Universal Healthcare comment, I don't think that our government doesn't recognize the importance of it, just that it isn't feasible right now. The US, like many countries (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_external_debt) are in debt; there are probably things we need to work on first before we increase our debt.

Sorry to add to the off topic-ness. Cultural observations aside, I really hope to see the iPhone/iPod touch-Mobile Me integration go forward. With an ever present connection to the internet, why not?

[Nermal]

No iTunes 8? :mad:

Do we have to wait until MWSF 2009 (or even later :eek:) for it? Maybe it'll come with the mini-tablet.

I had a suspicion we'd have to wait until 7.9 before we'd get 8…

What do you want from 8? The only feature that I want isn't going to happen.

For the curious, I was (a year ago) hoping for the ability to rip movies from MMC (such as HD DVD) disks.

[Apple Ink]

What do you want from 8? The only feature that I want isn't going to happen.

Which is?

Sorry.... I joined in b/w the conversation!

[Xander562]

Not too into the renting music thing, but renting movies I would. I hope they do it for movies and a movie only subscription.

[soldmachine]

Does anyone know, when this event will take place?

[WildCowboy]

Does anyone know, when this event will take place?

No, Apple generally doesn't send out invites to the media until 7-10 days beforehand, and they haven't come out yet. If there in fact will be a September event.

[Apple Ink]

If there in fact will be a September event.

Do you doubt it? Why?

But It'd be interesting to ponder..... The new MB/P, iPods, iTunes Un, new iPhone firmware.... everything at once!

[WildCowboy]

Do you doubt it? Why?

A lot of their products are stale, so we should be expecting a bunch of new releases. There appears to be enough to introduce that a special event would be justified instead of a silent refresh...especially if there are new form factors. But when will it happen? September? October? Probably, but until Apple sends out the invites or we get solid confirmation they're coming, it's all speculation.

[Apple Ink]

A lot of their products are stale, so we should be expecting a bunch of new releases. There appears to be enough to introduce that a special event would be justified instead of a silent refresh...especially if there are new form factors. But when will it happen? September? October? Probably, but until Apple sends out the invites or we get solid confirmation they're coming, it's all speculation.

I really wonder what Apple's cooking in its labs! Its generally unlike Apple to keep products un-upgraded for so long! Any guess what the "new cutting edge technology" that Cook talked about might be?

[iTeen]

...Its generally unlike Apple to keep products un-upgraded for so long!...Look at the Mac Mini, and the Cinema Displays...:rolleyes:

[alchemistmuffin]

wouldnt a MBP be in the same catergory. I mean you included other macs.....

doesnt matter, I hope they do update the MBP and leave macworld for the exciting updates such as a digital DVR, blu-ray etc. THOSE are for macworld.

People need to stop drelling on the past and look towards the feature!

Macbook Pro is considered a Pro product, not a consumer based product.... Apple only makes A MAJOR announcement on Pro products on either the WWDC or Macworld Expo, not on September music month event, which is focused on more consumer product, such as Macbook, iMac, iPod, iPhone (falls into both Pro and consumer product) Mac mini, etc....

Meh. I hate the idea of music subscriptions... I want to OWN all of my music, not rent it. I know I'd have to choice, but I don't want to see Apple give credence to the subscribe-and-forget-to-pay-and-your-music's-gone madness.

OTOH, a movie or TV show subscription a la Netflix would be amazing.

I also think Apple should make an agreement with satellite/cable companies to provide a discount on the iTunes Store to download shows you already have access to on your TV. Also, they need to partner with the networks to provide live streaming services for sports, local news, etc.

So, subscription services are great for some things, but I don't think the model scales well for music.

Now, I'm my 32GB iPod touch is getting here later this week (I didn't engrave it so I could sell it when they announce the new ones... :D), and I'm a MobileMe subscriber. I think that iPhone/iPod touch iDisk access is a wonderful idea. I agree with some of the previous posters; something like this would make me actually use my iDisk.

Am I the only one who thinks "renting" music is the worst idea ever?

What happens with all that music you love and want to keep? You will need to "rent/get" over and over again.

I would do this in a heartbeat if I can "get" music for as long as i choose to keep the file ... even if I stop paying the devil (RIAA) to keep him at bay.


Like I said earlier, I think Apple would only do subscription based service modeled under Nokia's Comes with Music service, where user pays monthly fees to get the unlimited music, and if the user decides to end the service, user gets to keep the music forever...

Steve Jobs in the end, WANTS TO END DRM completely in music, if you haven't noticed.. (see Thoughts on Music)

I think the iTunes unlimited service would be free of charge for 1st year for new iPhone customers, and for existing customer, it's $19.99 with contract with at&t or iPod touch, even lower if you have Mobile Me....

[furious]

Is this the thing the CFO was talking about at the shareholder meeting? Makes me wonder.

[nanaky]

Available through iTunes or retail box a la MobileMe,

if that turns out to be indeed true would it be for lets say europeans possible to just buy one of those boxes on ebay and use it on the US-Store jw

how about mobile me, does the US-MobileMe retail box currently work for europeans or whatever continent?

Yes you can, but in order to register online you need a valid US address and a US issued credit card.

[Diveflo]

"funds applied through iTunes gift cards cannot be used towards subscription purchase" oh come on...not for us Europeans and than this? great...

[Apple Ink]

I really doubt that Apple'll put it in boxes! In MMe, discounts work since they can effectively increase memberships without much hassles! But in this scenario.... they do have to pay 30 cents to the record company for every song sold.... even if its sold through Unlimited... least of records bother!

[vvebsta]

This seems like a dumb idea. I feel like music companies would make way more money with the current model because they would loose things like higher premiums for new releases and preorders. Plus what is stopping anyone from burning their music to audio discs and reimporting them drm free? Seems like too much hastle for Apple.

I could see Apple doing some kind of music deal with the industry for a mobile me feature that would let you publish playlists much like photo galleries that people could subscribe to via their iphone or the internet.

[Stella]

[QUOTE=jmadlena;6080935]The US has this thing about personal responsibility... I know, crazy, right?/QUOTE]

LOL.

You think "Personal responsibility" exists...?

Remember that person from the u.s. a few weeks ago who blamed everyone but himself for buying "I am rich app": "Wwwwhaaaaaaa - its not my fault, its everyone elses fault that I bought it!".

Or, how about those fat people from the u.s who tried sueing McDonalds for "making them fat"...

Again - LOL - personal responsibility.... some people should understand the notion of 'personal responsibility'.

--

I'm wondering if the subscription format is being forced upon Apple by music labels, and in return, Apple would get some concessions - such as more DRM free music?

If SJ is against subscription music, then I'm surprised Apple would go ahead with it..

[Lesser Evets]

No, I think he was saying that you can't discount a rumor just because its been around for several years. :rolleyes:

Since this rumor comes from purely anecdotal sources, unnamed and unaccountable, a repetitive rumor has even less validity. Age diminishes such a rumor even further. :rolleyes:

[bushido]

What the hell is up with eurpeans and those anti-trust issues? why cant they just stop bitching and learn to live life.....



I know. kid must know know that 1080p IS blu-ray and IS the highest out there and wont be another one for quite some time... 1080p as yet to fully set in.



whats with people and rolling their eyes at nonsence
Dude whats ur problem and u missed the point, it says in the news that itll be US Store only so i assume no one from out of the US could just sign up for it only. So i was wondering if we could still use it with the retail box

[Shasterball]

i'm getting me a iphone tomorrow. 16gig, screw that i'm getting an 8

With the rumored enabled disk mode, you may want to get 16.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5C1 Safari/525.20)

iTunes Unlimited will be really nice if they would let you download the songs over the cellular network. I'd definitely be in if they did this.

Does anyone think they will eventually adopt movie rentals into the subscription model? This would make it even more worthwhile to me.

[JayMan8081]

I wonder how many people would use this service. Do the competitors such as Napster and Rhapsody see a lot of people picking the subscription option over simply buying the songs they want to keep??

[tgildred]

So you are saying all rumors come true the older they get? :rolleyes:

That's right. Here's a rumor: true-to-life holographic displays from Apple. See you clowns in 12 years.

:)

[jfanning]

In fact, the only anti-trust SO the EU sent to Apple that I can remember was about iTunes pricing in Europe being higher than the US, and indeed, some countries (the UK) had a higher price than other parts of Europe (the Eurozone). It makes sense for them to ask Apple about it, because it's in the interest of European citizens. And as a result, Europeans are enjoying cheaper music than before the EU intervened.

The only Europeans enjoying cheaper music would be the ones in the UK, the EuroZone are paying the same 99c they always have.

Also, it would be nice if the EU would do something about the fact that the UK get the other Apple products cheaper than the other EuroZone countries

[Yvan256]

I'm only hoping there's going to be a monthly/yearly subscription offer for movies and TV shows.

[Michael73]

I have an iTunes account but have never bought anything from the store. Although the last time I bought a new cd several months ago, it was from Best Buy and $14.99. When I got home I found the whole album for $9.99 on iTunes and I'm now questioning the need for the physical jewel case and liner notes. My next album purchase might be on iTunes.

I don't think I'm really revealing any national secrets by passing along the information that was given to me ages ago...burning off a copy of DRM'd songs onto cd and then re-uploading them as mp3's breaks the DRM. Granted this is a time and labor intensive process but if the subscription model is really a "lease" on the music for as long as your subscription is active, why couldn't someone follow the process above to "own" the music permanently? Again, I'm not advocating this. This is illegal. I do not and have not done this. This is all hypothetical since iTunes Unlimited doesn't exist in the first place.

[Bubba Satori]

Look at the Mac Mini, and the Cinema Displays...:rolleyes:


Jeebus Apple, some new computers, will ya. :mad:

[Bookshelf]

Very unlikely. This is one of those schemes that’s bad for Apple, bad for the consumer but great for the record labels.
I expect that one of the labels floated this rumor. Again.
Let’ see. You don’t get the new music that you want but for over a hundred dollars you get their back catalog of their Lithuanian folk dancing music.

[BenRoethig]

I'm in with the iTunes Unlimited...

As soon as i can afford it. :mad:

Why can't they do monthly?????

Apple doesn't do monthly. it's much easier to make sure that someone is paying once a year than 12 times.

[ATimson]

I don't think I'm really revealing any national secrets by passing along the information that was given to me ages ago...burning off a copy of DRM'd songs onto cd and then re-uploading them as mp3's breaks the DRM. Granted this is a time and labor intensive process but if the subscription model is really a "lease" on the music for as long as your subscription is active, why couldn't someone follow the process above to "own" the music permanently?
Other subscription services with DRM use said DRM to prevent you from burning the songs to disc.

[w00master]

The last time I was on campus (last week) I was able to see many peoples entire iTunes libraries and listen to them via bonjour. As far as "owning" the music, you never have owned it, ever. The same way with software. You are paying for the right to USE it. You do not OWN your copy of Leopard, or Windows, or Office. Read the EULA. Recall grade school; and "don't copy that floppy" nonsense they had use watch. One of the points was that you do not own the software you are using, you are simply paying a fee to use it on your own computer. Nothing has changed.

Again, this is within a LAN, but try sharing your iTunes library to a friend at another school (technically legally).

As for the EULA issue, again time and time again EULAs have yet to be won by the corporations. TIME AND TIME again. Imho, using the "EULA" argument on "who owns the music" just doesn't hold any water.

w00master

[brn2ski00]

wish i had waited until next month -- dropped about that amount last month. :o

[w00master]

I'm willing to bet the music companies will poo poo and say this is illegal. Still, might do it for a year and find some way (can't imagine how) to capture the audio for all the songs I want but haven't bought yet. Do this with a group of friends and watch the cost come down.

Hmmm, if I think of doing this wonder how many other teenagers will do this?

Sure they could, but at the same time since the music can only be "shared" between users who are subscribers, I see sharing to be allowed. This is something you can already do with most of the subscription services right now.

[w00master]

Am I the only one who thinks "renting" music is the worst idea ever?

What happens with all that music you love and want to keep? You will need to "rent/get" over and over again.

I would do this in a heartbeat if I can "get" music for as long as i choose to keep the file ... even if I stop paying the devil (RIAA) to keep him at bay.

You obviously didn't read my post. To go back, I'm a firm believer in "owning my music," but at the same time think about what you "can't" do with the music you own. See my post on the top of the previous page (page 4).

w00master

[Bubba Satori]

Apple doesn't do monthly. it's much easier to make sure that someone is paying once a year than 12 times.

No, although I'm sure Apple is happy for you to believe that. They do it because of something called a float. Basically you're giving your money to Apple for them to in invest and earn money on it. Have another Koolaid and think about that for a minute. :D

[Scooterman1]

I'd rather buy what I want to keep, or just use one of the Radio Apps in the App store...... a lot Cheaper.

[pdman]

This model has been in use by Rhapsody ($13.99/month) and Microsoft (Zune pass, $14.99/month). It allows you to play the drm content on the PC as well as the mobile players. If you want to burn it, you must buy it.

[BLACK MAC]

If there is true and they including movie rentals, count me in for a :apple:TV.

[RMo]

iTunes 7.8? Wouldn't this bring it to 8.0 since its features major new features.

You never really know with Apple and iTunes--we went from version 5 to version 6 in about a month with very few changes, but they've been on version 7 for over two years now with quite a few changes: support for iPhone/iPod touch, movie rentals, App Store, and so on, in addition to a few interface changes. Maybe they realized they were upping it to fast and didn't want to have, say, iTunes 20 in a few years. :)

[iMacmatician]

What do you want from 8? The only feature that I want isn't going to happen.This (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=5953677&postcount=17), this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=5959426&postcount=54), and this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=5970430&postcount=64).

Does anyone know, when this event will take place?Most likely on a Tuesday in September.

[umbilical]

what about the kbs per second? 1kb by second hahaha for slow downloads? or give full speed downloads?

[.Chris]

Macbook Pro is considered a Pro product, not a consumer based product.... Apple only makes A MAJOR announcement on Pro products on either the WWDC or Macworld Expo, not on September music month event, which is focused on more consumer product, such as Macbook, iMac, iPod, iPhone (falls into both Pro and consumer product) Mac mini, etc....


and how is a macbook and imac fall under "music" huh? EXACTLY quit talking you'll only confuse your self even more

Dude whats ur problem and u missed the point, it says in the news that itll be US Store only so i assume no one from out of the US could just sign up for it only. So i was wondering if we could still use it with the retail box

Dude whats YOUR problem. learn to read next time I was commenting on someone who was talking about the Europeans. dumb ass kids...

[econoline06]

Again, this is within a LAN, but try sharing your iTunes library to a friend at another school (technically legally).

As for the EULA issue, again time and time again EULAs have yet to be won by the corporations. TIME AND TIME again. Imho, using the "EULA" argument on "who owns the music" just doesn't hold any water.

w00master

Oh, I didn't realize you meant off the LAN, sorry.

As far as the EULA goes, yeah thats true, but still you do not own that music or software. I thought that was a pretty well known fact.

[Peace]

Sometime between Aug. 26th. and Aug. 29th. invitations will go out to the media. More likely on Friday Aug. 29th so as not to interfere with the Democratic National Convention.

just watch.;)

[econoline06]

You obviously didn't read my post. To go back, I'm a firm believer in "owning my music," but at the same time think about what you "can't" do with the music you own. See my post on the top of the previous page (page 4).

w00master

Stuff you cannot do meaning like how you can't add some song you purchased on iTunes into an iMovie your making? That has frustrated me a few times recently...

Anyway, that sort of goes to show you how you don't really own the music. It is the property of the artist and record label. I still don't understand why you believe you own the music you have. Can you explain further?

[w00master]

Stuff you cannot do meaning like how you can't add some song you purchased on iTunes into an iMovie your making? That has frustrated me a few times recently...

Anyway, that sort of goes to show you how you don't really own the music. It is the property of the artist and record label. I still don't understand why you believe you own the music you have. Can you explain further?

I believe you are confusing between two separate issues (which do often intertwine): DRM and Subscription Music Services.

With DRM, I am completely and totally against it. 100%. In terms of why I "believe... [I] own the music," my point is if I purchased the music I should be able to rip it from CD, transfer to any music player, use it in my home movies, stream to any of my own personal players over the internet (or via cell towers), etc. Most of these things I consider them fair use and I will continue to use the files on my harddrive the way I like. LEGALLY speaking though? You're absolutely correct. Reality wise though? I completely deny and disagree with the legal community (and RIAA).

With Subscription Music Services, although it isn't for me, I believe that the people on this board who are so adamantly against Apple going in this direction aren't "seeing the big picture." They only talk about what is wrong with Subscription Services: you're renting music, when you stop paying you can't listen, etc. etc. What they fail to realize is the flip side of what (maybe) is possible legally with Subscription Music services: sharing music with friends/family/etc. (as long as they have a subscription).

Examples:
1. No need to "buy" all the songs for iMixes for subscribers
2. Posting playable playlists on websites
3. When you "tell a friend" in iTunes about an amazing song, they can immediately listen to the whole song and add it to their library.
4. Steam your iTunes account songs anywhere around the world.

Those are just some examples. Now, I haven't talked about the "issues with Subscription Music Services" (ahem DRM), but I was addressing the "poo poo-ers" of Subscription Music. There is a good side that many of them simply aren't addressing and/or seeing.

w00master

[iMacmatician]

Sometime between Aug. 26th. and Aug. 29th. invitations will go out to the media. More likely on Friday Aug. 29th so as not to interfere with the Democratic National Convention.

just watch.;)I'll be watching… for some other date!

I wonder what the invitation will be like. Assuming both Macs and iPods are updated, Apple would want to combine two different platforms into one cohesive invite… that's interesting.

[babyj]

The iPhone iDisk access seems more a case of when than if, though I'm not sure its really that big a deal. More likely its something that will be slipped in with a firmware update at some point. I wouldn't of thought its that big an update either so no reason why it couldn't be in the next release (2.1).

The big question with the subscription model is whether Apple have changed their stance on it. The major record labels want it and have been pushing Apple for it in the past, it makes a lot of sense from their point of view as the potential revenue levels are massive. They could easily sell 10 million in the first year, which at $100 a pop would be $1 billion of revenue - I'd say that is a conservative estimate, it could easily generate 5 times that.

From Apple's point of view they can't really lose either - they're likely to sell a lot more iPod's and they'll get a cut of the subscription fee which could easily be more profitable than at present. The labels are desperate for it which puts Apple in a strong negotiating position - maybe strong enough to ensure all music is also available for purchase drm free and at a lower price. A lower price for outright purchases of drm free music might also remove Apple's objections to the drm protected subscription model.

I've never bought a song from iTunes and I won't until lossless quality is offered, but I do buy a lot of cd's though. I'd sign up for the subscription just to give me quick and easy access to all music and I'd be happy with a lower quality until I bought the cd or a lossless copy.

Most people that own iPods would sign up for a subscription on the spot.

[Loge]

If Steve Jobs though subscriptions were a good idea for music, they'd be doing it already. I don't see what has changed to make this a good idea now if it wasn't before. Steve wants less DRM not more.

[3MacTim]

I think the main rumor to start this thread is interesting, but what if we combine it with information on this page:

http://www.macuser.com/music/apple_may_offer_allyoucaneatmu.php

Two-thirds of the way down:

"The subscription models under discussion in the music industry include the provision for customers to keep up to 40 or 50 tracks a year, which they would retain even if they changed their device or their subscription lapses."

At that point it's basically $5 a month for the subscription since you're excluding the 40-50 purchased songs. If those 40-50 are DRM-free, I think I'd have to at least sign up for one year and see how it goes. But only if the tipster's wrong about only 50% of the store being available. I smell a Video Rental style fake out.

[babyj]

If Steve Jobs though subscriptions were a good idea for music, they'd be doing it already. I don't see what has changed to make this a good idea now if it wasn't before. Steve wants less DRM not more.

One thing that has changed is that the majors are now licensing drm free music but most of them are refusing to license it to Apple. Maybe this has had an effect on Apple and they will give in on the subscription model in exchange for drm free music. Except of course the subscription music will have drm.

[Loge]

Except of course the subscription music will have drm.

Which is one reason why it is unlikely. And it seems a lot of trouble to go to, when the DRM songs in iTunes are still selling well. More likely they will concede some ground on the flexible pricing issue, which is a well known sticking point with the labels.

[G58]

I agree.

And another two reasons are:

This message was delivered in a scatter-gun seeding of the usual suspects in the rumour industry. Not exactly subtle is it? What does Steve say about ships that leak from the top?

Secondly, since Apple clearly doesn't normally leak from the top, and MS does, it stinks of a spoiler to cause Apple's iTunes numbers to fall. Who benefits? The guy who just singed Jerry Seinfeld for a series of new ads in which he will appear alongside him. One way to blow $300m!!

It's what I'd do if I were Bill. But then if I were Bill, I wouldn't hire Jerry Seinfeld. Either way, it's unlikely.

Move along folks. There's nothing to see here.

Which is one reason why it is unlikely. And it seems a lot of trouble to go to, when the DRM songs in iTunes are still selling well. More likely they will concede some ground on the flexible pricing issue, which is a well known sticking point with the labels.

[babyj]

This message was delivered in a scatter-gun seeding of the usual suspects in the rumour industry. Not exactly subtle is it? What does Steve say about ships that leak from the top?

Secondly, since Apple clearly doesn't normally leak from the top, and MS does, it stinks of a spoiler to cause Apple's iTunes numbers to fall. Who benefits? The guy who just singed Jerry Seinfeld for a series of new ads in which he will appear alongside him. One way to blow $300m!!

The most likely leak / source for this would be the music labels themselves, who have a history of using the media for their own aims. Except they are normally a lot more blatant and don't mind being named as the source.

What would be the point in MS spreading this rumour? If anything it would be more damaging for their sales rather than Apple's, and even MS aren't that stupid.

I doubt there is any substance to the subscription service rumour, but that doesn't mean it is a bad idea or won't happen. It wouldn't be the first time Apple had made a complete about turn on something either.

[umbilical]

HEY REALLY is that Possible???? well for $179 per user, apple can get more money that the money that get today with the users that have today? Really sounds amazing that, well apple always make amazing things.

wake me when that dream comes true!!!!! :D

[Randman]

Sorry for asking if its been answered but any word on if this includes movies and TV shows as well? What about the App store?

I'd likely get (already have MobileMe) it just for the music but with movies and TV shows, I'd be first in line, just after I cancelled NetFlix and pared my cable options down as much as possible.

[econoline06]

I believe you are confusing between two separate issues (which do often intertwine): DRM and Subscription Music Services.

With DRM, I am completely and totally against it. 100%. In terms of why I "believe... [I] own the music," my point is if I purchased the music I should be able to rip it from CD, transfer to any music player, use it in my home movies, stream to any of my own personal players over the internet (or via cell towers), etc. Most of these things I consider them fair use and I will continue to use the files on my harddrive the way I like. LEGALLY speaking though? You're absolutely correct. Reality wise though? I completely deny and disagree with the legal community (and RIAA).

With Subscription Music Services, although it isn't for me, I believe that the people on this board who are so adamantly against Apple going in this direction aren't "seeing the big picture." They only talk about what is wrong with Subscription Services: you're renting music, when you stop paying you can't listen, etc. etc. What they fail to realize is the flip side of what (maybe) is possible legally with Subscription Music services: sharing music with friends/family/etc. (as long as they have a subscription).

Examples:
1. No need to "buy" all the songs for iMixes for subscribers
2. Posting playable playlists on websites
3. When you "tell a friend" in iTunes about an amazing song, they can immediately listen to the whole song and add it to their library.
4. Steam your iTunes account songs anywhere around the world.

Those are just some examples. Now, I haven't talked about the "issues with Subscription Music Services" (ahem DRM), but I was addressing the "poo poo-ers" of Subscription Music. There is a good side that many of them simply aren't addressing and/or seeing.

w00master

Oh alright, I understand. Thank you for the clarification. Yes, I too am irritated that the license agreement does not provide for use in other applications besides mobile devices and your personal computer (as far as simply listening to the music goes). Why we cannot use the song file in other applications is a mystery...perhaps enough folks out there are willing to pay $0.99 to simply listen to the song on their own computer and mobile device without any further usage. Seems kind of limited to me...Though there are programs out there that strip DRM out of the music.

[krye]

How about flash? Can we please get some flash already?

[eb201]

Some people may be able to take advantage of this, but, imo, it is a waste of money. I have to pay an annual fee and then pay again to keep the music? Basically I am renting the song. That is fine for movies but I should be able to keep the song and play it whenever I want, even after my subscription ends.

Maybe I just don't completely understand the subscription model, but this seems ridiculous.

I am hoping for something like pay a monthly fee ($15-$25 a month) and get unlimited downloads, that you get to keep.

[reallynotnick]

Make everything 256kbs (or better yet 320kbs or even lossless!) with no DRM for 99¢ and give me a subscription for TV shows and movies as I don't care to own those, especially TV shows.

That would be killer on an Apple TV, oh and make everything HD. :D

[macwall]

i would love to pay to get unlimited itunes songs

[Alx9876]

Don't care about either one. Give me the new Macbook now. I've waited since July of this year. Bring it out goddamn it.

[econoline06]

Don't care about either one. Give me the new Macbook now. I've waited since July of this year. Bring it out goddamn it.

May I offer you some scotch to calm the nerves good Sir?

[phipsitn]

This is merely speculation, but with the digital tv switch on the horizon and the potential of people buying a replacement tv to replace their analog sets. Perhaps with iTunes unlimited they are going to introduce a new LCD TV with AppleTV built in. Seems to me that with their media domination aspirations instead of just using your existing tv, why not sell a tv that has that feature built in. Then the iTunes unlimited with music and video would make more sense. It would also fit with a launch before Christmas.

[Yvan256]

Don't care about either one. Give me the new Macbook now. I've waited since July of this year. Bring it out goddamn it.

Mac mini users have been waiting since the intel switch for a proper update to the Mac mini. A CPU update and hard drive capacity bump doesn't count, it still has a GMA950 and no 802.11n. :eek:

[Yvan256]

This is merely speculation, but with the digital tv switch on the horizon and the potential of people buying a replacement tv to replace their analog sets. Perhaps with iTunes unlimited they are going to introduce a new LCD TV with AppleTV built in. Seems to me that with their media domination aspirations instead of just using your existing tv, why not sell a tv that has that feature built in. Then the iTunes unlimited with music and video would make more sense. It would also fit with a launch before Christmas.

Too much competition from too many TV manufacturers and too many service providers (cable, satellite, on-demand, etc). It makes a lot more sense to sell :apple:TV as a simple external box.

[LowEnder]

honestly.
if u can't afford 129 dollars a YEAR
should really be paying 11 dollars a month?

iTeen is not the only person who finds it easier to pay a small monthly fee. Many of us have trouble coming up with 120+$ all at once.
SUrely there are people at Apple who could devise a way for monthly subscriptions using the iPod music card

[.Chris]

Too much competition from too many TV manufacturers and too many service providers (cable, satellite, on-demand, etc). It makes a lot more sense to sell :apple:TV as a simple external box.

Service providers have nothing to do with the ones who manufacture TVs. Its like apple building the ipod. You want to buy a new set of headphones. Headphones can work on any audio source not just ipods. Same goes for this. Service providers wont just work for apple TV or what ever. they do all kinds..

Personaly if apple did make a LCD/plasma screen TV they will need to compete with samsung vizio and sony as they are the largest TV makers.....

[ttech10]

I would be perfectly fine with the $129.99 ($99.99 for me) a year unlimited music download. I use Rhapsody right now for most of my music so monthly-wise it would be the same price.

[DiamondMac]

Don't care about either one. Give me the new Macbook now. I've waited since July of this year. Bring it out goddamn it.

Agreed on the MB update but I do care about the unlimited music

I would be very supportive of that and would use it incredibly

[.Chris]

I want a cheeper MBP. You can get the same specs on a windows based notebook for less. Why must apple be more. because the name? because the casing? Please :rolleyes:

[hexonxonx]

I want a cheeper MBP. You can get the same specs on a windows based notebook for less. Why must apple be more. because the name? because the casing? Please :rolleyes:

Because only a Mac can run OS X. Legally.

[.Chris]

Because only a Mac can run OS X. Legally.

and? A mac osx license is what? $129

That had nothing tondo with what I was talking about

[hexonxonx]

and? A mac osx license is what? $129

That had nothing tondo with what I was talking about

Why didn't it have anything to do with what you were asking? A cheaper PC with the same specs can't run OS X but a Mac can. A Mac can also run Windows. Probably two of the best reasons to pay the higher price and get a Mac.

[Yvan256]

Service providers have nothing to do with the ones who manufacture TVs. Its like apple building the ipod. You want to buy a new set of headphones. Headphones can work on any audio source not just ipods. Same goes for this. Service providers wont just work for apple TV or what ever. they do all kinds..

Personaly if apple did make a LCD/plasma screen TV they will need to compete with samsung vizio and sony as they are the largest TV makers.....

That's not what I meant. If Apple makes a TV with a built-in :apple:TV then it has to compete with the TV manufactuers (the TV part) and with the service providers (the :apple:TV part + iTunes content).

[.Chris]

That's not what I meant. If Apple makes a TV with a built-in :apple:TV then it has to compete with the TV manufactuers (the TV part) and with the service providers (the :apple:TV part + iTunes content).

Not true because apple wont be selling cable or satellite packages.

We may try the new verizion Fios TV. We have Verizion fios internet, and the fios TV is really good from what I hear

[deftdrummer]

This announcement is pretty cool and all, but I'm kind of on the fence. I used to be a HUGE downloader of illegal music. Ever since I got my imac it has been a little more difficult to procure free music without hassle. Coincidence? I think not. My music library is in the 27,000 songs range, and I am overjoyed with the fact that it is my music do do what I want with, delete, transfer to another computer, put on anyone's ipod etc.

While I do think unlimited music is cool, you still don't actually own it, and it's just one more fee Apple would have you pay.

What scares me is the fascism that Apple has incorporated into their business model. It's not like we just pay $129 a year and there's no strings attached. Just like Apps and 3G, its not like you just get these things without jumping through hoops, which as of late usually require some sort of fee, however minimal it may be. Many of us have not forgotten about the $9.99 ipod OS updates just so you can spendmore money in the itunes store. You can say it was a matter of accounting practices or whatever, but I just don't buy it hook line and sinker.

Now figure in the nearly $100 / month users pay just to operate the iphone 3G with AT&T and you will see it all adds up. Each conduit for media or services these days is charging more while offering less, even if only minimally less. Case in point: disk use has always been a free staple of owning an ipod. Now we may have to pay for it, despite having the most advanced and expensive mobile device in Apple's lineup. Something fishy there. Same thing goes with cellular laptop tethering on AT&T's network. Less is more in the eyes of these mega-corporations.

[seashellz]

>>I would like to see all of itunes be 256kbps and drm free and i would be happy.
--
yeah-and @ 48Khz, 32 bit sampling (normal 'red book' commercial CDs are 44 and 16 respectively-poorer sound) But it was a repeat of the Beta vs VHS battle- the cr*ppier of them won

[Yvan256]

Not true because apple wont be selling cable or satellite packages.

We may try the new verizion Fios TV. We have Verizion fios internet, and the fios TV is really good from what I hear

You think Apple aren't trying to compete with cable/satellite with the :apple:TV and the iTunes store?

[.Chris]

You think Apple aren't trying to compete with cable/satellite with the :apple:TV and the iTunes store?

if they were they would be offering packages for cable, satellite etc like comcast. This means: Offer diferent packages, with diferent channels, on demand movie channels and more. itunes has nothin to do with them as they dont offer itunes like service.

what part of that dont you understand?

[Yvan256]

if they were they would be offering packages for cable, satellite etc like comcast. This means: Offer diferent packages, with diferent channels, on demand movie channels and more. itunes has nothin to do with them as they dont offer itunes like service.

what part of that dont you understand?

Apple doesn't have to offer cable or satellite, they have the iTunes store. It's about the content, not the technology used to deliver it.

Example: I want to watch a TV show. Either I pay a cable/satellite company 50$/month (or more) to get a bunch of shows I don't want or I pay Apple for exactly the shows I want and have them downloaded directly into my computer/:apple:TV.

I don't care if the show gets to my TV by cable, satellite, iTunes, DVD or whatever. As soon as two companies offer me the same content, they are in competition against each other.

Another example would be internet access: a DSL provider doesn't have to start offering cable access to be a competitor to a cable provider, they're both providing internet access even if they offer it via different technologies.

Apple already competes with cable/satellite with the iTunes Store. As you said yourself, what part of that don't you understand? ;)

[.Chris]

You think Apple aren't trying to compete with cable/satellite with the :apple:TV and the iTunes store?

Apple doesn't have to offer cable or satellite, they have the iTunes store. It's about the content, not the technology used to deliver it.

Example: I want to watch a TV show. Either I pay 50$/month (or more) to get a bunch of shows I don't want or I pay Apple to have it downloaded directly into my computer/:apple:TV and never miss a show ever again. Yes cable/satellite companies offer DVRs but it's another fee on top of your already high monthly fee.

Apple already competes with cable/satellite with the iTunes Store. As you said yourself, what part of that dont you understand?

the only way they would be completing is if they offered what they do.....

[Yvan256]

the only way they would be completing is if they offered what they do.....

Any company that can offer me episodes of a TV show is in direct competition with other companies that can offer me episodes of the same TV show. It doesn't matter if it's by cable, satellite or internet.

By your logic, a DSL provider isn't in competition with a cable provider because they're not using the same technology to connect you to the internet.

[.Chris]

Any company that can offer me episodes of a TV show is in direct competition with other companies that can offer me episodes of the same TV show. It doesn't matter if it's by cable, satellite or internet.

By your logic, a DSL provider isn't in competition with a cable provider because they're not using the same technology to connect you to the internet.

actully I have fios internet and may be getting fios TV from verizon. so YES it IS the same technology.

fios = Fiber Optic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber-optic_communication)

http://www22.verizon.com/Content/FiOSTV/

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/about+fios+tv/about+fios+tv.htm

[Yvan256]

actully I have fios internet and may be getting fios TV from verizon. so YES it IS the same technology.

fios = Fiber Optic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber-optic_communication)

http://www22.verizon.com/Content/FiOSTV/

http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/about+fios+tv/about+fios+tv.htm

First of all, there's no such thing as "Verizon" where I live.

Second, it doesn't negate the fact that Apple are now content providers (iTunes Store) and are competing with other content providers (cable, satellite, fiber-optic, internet-based or otherwise).

My original comment was never about the technology used to deliver content to its end-users, it was about the content itself. You then proceeded to try and contradict me, in multiple replies, based on the transport method used. Your last reply about Verizon and their services is completely off-topic, as my previous reply was trying to provide you with an example that technologies don't need to be the same for two companies to be in direct competition.

This is pointless as you're not even arguing about what I said in the first place: Apple are now a content provider via their iTunes Store and are in competition with other content providers. The technology used to deliver the content is of no consequence.

[.Chris]

First of all, there's no such thing as "Verizon" where I live.

Second, it doesn't negate the fact that Apple are now content providers (iTunes Store) and are competing with other content providers (cable, satellite, fiber-optic, internet-based or otherwise).

My original comment was never about the technology used to deliver content to its end-users, it was about the content itself. You then proceeded to try and contradict me, in multiple replies, based on the transport method used. Your last reply about Verizon and their services is completely off-topic, as my previous reply was trying to provide you with an example that technologies don't need to be the same for two companies to be in direct competition.

This is pointless as you're not even arguing about what I said in the first place: Apple are now a content provider via their iTunes Store and are in competition with other content providers. The technology used to deliver the content is of no consequence.

.I only mentoned because you said
By your logic, a DSL provider isn't in competition with a cable provider because they're not using the same technology to connect you to the internet.

So I gave you the links that i did...

[m1stake]

Too many details, this rumor has no meat. However, $99/year for unlimited content from the iTunes store sounds great - right up to the huge freaking wall of BAD that it hits when you stop paying the subscription fee. What happens when this goes away? Of course, 6 years from now I'll have 90% of my library build on music I don't own, and it will disappear after I've payed $600 for the service. Absolutely not worth it.

[.Chris]

Here is a video from 2003 when apple introduced the iTunes music Store. At around 2:15 they talk about why subscription base service is bad. But who knows, may be apple will get it right now that times have changed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2n86TROxzY

[SDLSteve]

Cnet did an story as to why Apple won't do subscriptions. Very convincing piece.

[spydr]

honestly.
if u can't afford 129 dollars a YEAR
should really be paying 11 dollars a month?

Why? Why do people keep making financial advices that are uncalled for.

Anyway, I too think that a lot of people won't be willing to 'try' out a new service for $129 – but they can willingly take it for a spin for $11 a month for a couple of months and cancel it should they feel less than satisfied. I am pretty sure Apple won't give a 60-day free trial for 'mobile me + unlimited iTunes'.

BTW, I do think the rumor is true. Just gut feeling!

[.Chris]

Here is a video from 2003 when apple introduced the iTunes music Store. At around 2:15 they talk about why subscription base service is bad. But who knows, may be apple will get it right now that times have changed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2n86TROxzY

.

[!nteresting]

Why would anyone waste their money on this? I mean.. it's SUBSCRIPTION, you have to constantly pay, every year, to listen to your music. You don't get to keep anything once your subscription is over.

[BJWanlund]

Might as well make my case as for why Apple SHOULD do an iTunes subscription service, and why the rumoured name SUCKS:

The rumoured name SUCKS because it isn't "unlimited" since it's still limited to your country of origin. If AAPL wishes to do this, call it "iTunes Premium" because you pay a hefty premium, based on the rumored price point.

Apple SHOULD:

Allow you to download items from other countries like the UK, Japan, Germany, etc. without creating a new iTunes account. Today's economy is global, so why isn't iTunes?
Give you the OPTION of buying in a retail box OR in iTunes using gift certificates. If they wish to do a subscription model, take the "Xbox Live" approach: 1 month for $5 or so, 3 months for $15 or so, etc.
Make the retail box the "starter kit" with 12-13 free months in case you don't have an iPod. Maybe the starter kit would be free or available for a nominal charge with every iPod sold or something of that nature.
Allow for variability, and force you to own everything you download. Allow us to burn our TV shows and movies to DVDs or Blu-Rays.
Also, allow us another way to watch movies and TV shows BESIDES on our computers or on our TVs or on our iPods. Create a new device that could be the be all and end all of media. Requires no iPod, AppleTV, or TV for that matter. Have it all inside the display, or connectible to the display via a USB stick or a memory card or something of that nature.


BJ

[Mackilroy]

Allow you to download items from other countries like the UK, Japan, Germany, etc. without creating a new iTunes account. Today's economy is global, so why isn't iTunes?
Though it isn't exactly the same, iTunes isn't global for the same reasons we have regions for DVD and Blu-ray.

[Chundles]

Might as well make my case as for why Apple SHOULD do an iTunes subscription service, and why the rumoured name SUCKS:

The rumoured name SUCKS because it isn't "unlimited" since it's still limited to your country of origin. If AAPL wishes to do this, call it "iTunes Premium" because you pay a hefty premium, based on the rumored price point.

Apple SHOULD:

Allow you to download items from other countries like the UK, Japan, Germany, etc. without creating a new iTunes account. Today's economy is global, so why isn't iTunes?
Give you the OPTION of buying in a retail box OR in iTunes using gift certificates. If they wish to do a subscription model, take the "Xbox Live" approach: 1 month for $5 or so, 3 months for $15 or so, etc.
Make the retail box the "starter kit" with 12-13 free months in case you don't have an iPod. Maybe the starter kit would be free or available for a nominal charge with every iPod sold or something of that nature.
Allow for variability, and force you to own everything you download. Allow us to burn our TV shows and movies to DVDs or Blu-Rays.
Also, allow us another way to watch movies and TV shows BESIDES on our computers or on our TVs or on our iPods. Create a new device that could be the be all and end all of media. Requires no iPod, AppleTV, or TV for that matter. Have it all inside the display, or connectible to the display via a USB stick or a memory card or something of that nature.


BJ


iTunes isn't global because music and video distribution is governed by the local laws of the country, Apple have to negotiate contracts with distributors in every country they take the iTunes Store to - it's massively expensive and time consuming. They need to pick and choose based on market and possible return on investment. Remember they're not providing a service out of the goodness of their hearts, they're presenting a business model that allows consumers to get what they want at a price - a lot of research and development goes into each local iTunes Store so it takes a long time to get it all right.

Not to mention the effects on local media providers. I know that if the US iTunes Store was opened up to we Aussies the local media would collapse pretty much overnight as we suddenly have open slather access to all the stuff that hasn't arrived here yet. That's not being an apologist for the media companies here being ridiculously slack - which they are - more an indictment of their need to maintain control over local distribution to ensure that the primary method of delivery of new TV shows, movies and music involves advertising, advertising and over-priced physical media respectively.

I'm actually starting to warm to the idea of a subscription model - I'd have just a boatload of music with me with a subscription - it would finally give us the ability to listen to an entire album and say "yeah" or "nah" without a financial or legal implication. As long as the price is right though, it's gotta be something affordable otherwise it'll just be another niche and a niche is not Apple's plan for the music industry - they want to utterly dominate.